On Thursday the 23rd of March the Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Trauma network for the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) was held where two speakers, Laura Ludowyke and Sidney Manks, shared their lived experiences with BPD. The conference was attended by 35 health professionals from a range of disciplines including nursing, social work, occupational therapy, art therapy, and school counselling.
Laura Ludowyke, an occupational therapist who lives in recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder, shared her journey through the mental health system and her journey with using occupation in her life and recovery. She also spoke about the importance of finding meaning in life beyond the diagnosis of BPD, and shared insights from her ongoing PhD research on the role of occupations in the lives of people with BPD and complex trauma.
Sidney Manks, a lived experience researcher currently working as an emergency vet nurse and studying marine biology, also spoke about her experience of living with BPD. She shared her passion for raising awareness and helping people to understand BPD, and discussed the stigma and discrimination often faced by those with this diagnosis.
Both speakers provided valuable insights and understanding for the attendees, helping them to better understand the challenges faced by people with mental illness. The meeting was a great opportunity for Laura and Sidney to share their stories and encourage reflection amongst the mental health workforce.
Objectives of the Meeting were:
• To develop a deeper understanding of how to work in partnership with people who live with Borderline Personality Disorder
• To develop a deeper knowledge of using creative, narrative and occupationally-based strategies for working with Borderline Personality Disorder.
If you would like to purchase a copy of Laura presenting a webinar on working with BPD from an occupational therapist perspective please click here
The Borderline Personality Disorders and Complex Trauma group, led by coordinator Laura Ludowyke is free to join. The meetings provide an opportunity to learn from Laura’s experiences and gain insights into helpful ways of collaborating with individuals living with BPD. Attendees will also have the chance to brainstorm potential future meeting plans and share their opinions on topics they would be interested in learning more about.
If you would like to get involved in the network or present we would love to hear from you! Please contact Laura@my-potential.com